Cost of Leadership.
We matter. How we keep our heart, hold rein over our emotions, the manner in which one moves forward with the myriad number of little choices made in the course of a day, adds up to the direction a life takes.
Who we have around ourselves, who would follow us into a burning building if we asked, says everything about us.
Seth Godin writes about loyalty today, in his blog.
A few years back, as a hurricane destroyed the Gulf Coast, Shawn Alladio shared with me in intimate detail over the course of her ordeal, a series of choices she made and the process, of rendering aid in a situation so vast, and apparently impossible, that of the two of us, only she with her depth of experience, resolve and compassion, was qualified, to make the series of choices that would allow K38 to render effective aid. Our calls and e mails served to educate me well on the cost of being the person on point, the one leading the charge.
Here is a short look at what went down in New Orleans. It really tells nothing of the vastness of what one person may navigate, unless you look very closely. Then you will see: everything costs. When we lead, where we lead, one must be willing to weigh and give up something for the result, the attainment of that goal.
So as we head down the road of struggle in this country today, maybe think a little about that. Because you matter. So maybe pay close attention to what you raise your hand for. Results are everything and all change may be temporary. Consider your cost. Then go.
The image below is of our friend and colleague, USCG Petty Officer 1st Class and Stan team member Scott Rady, on the line of a Jayhawk during training. The USCG lost a Jayhawk recently, and more.
On her paddle through my coast this week, Margo Pellegrino told me what it was like, unwittingly paddling the crash site of the Jayhawk, and looking down to realize a diver was down, and searching the wreckage below. The next day she saw death again. That is how it works. Everything costs. Nothing is permanent. Not even our hearts.
Amen Brother. It is in our initial sslection of choice, of will that provides the measure of our soul. Carry On.
Semper paratus and fidelis. Never change.
Beautifully written piece, David, with a message we all need to hear over and over again. Thank you for its sensitivity and compassion, and for choosing to share your mind, heart and spirit so freely.
Gayle, your thoughtful input and read along with the soft touch of family is a wonderful thing. Thank you.
Uauh! Hiven for me (a portuguese not very good with words and english) this are a very good.
Nice David. Very nice!
keep thinking keep moving!
See you on the water
Aloha Mario. Hope to see you in Portugal later this year my freind.
Succinctly put Shawn. A friend of mine Major John Duffy (USA retired) earned 8 purple hearts and the Distinguished Service medal (second only to the medal of honor) 4 tours in Viet Nam He tirelessly and selflessly put himself in harms way tending to wounded South Vietnamese who were being overrun by NVA. He was calling in B52 bombs danger close (in this case 300meters away). He said he instructed the men not to stand up and to hold their mouths open as the concussion would blow out their ear drums. The ground shake from that distance would lift you off of the ground. He told me for him it was “no big deal” because he had been a forward air controller and a pilot and knew what was possible. He is a man who made a commitment,had the training, knew the consequences, and made some decisions that saved many lives that day. We are blessed to live in such a place where good citizens such as yourself and others are willing to make that “initial selection of choice”
Thank you so much for sharing this Charlie! Amazing.